Ever noticed your cat wandering around outside snacking on grass and wondered what’s going on? Wonder no more… why does cats eat grass?
Cats are carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to digest and use only animal-based proteins for nutrients. So why does your cat eat grass?
There are a few possible explanations. Some experts believe that grass eating may help cats vomit hairballs or other indigestible items. Others think that the grasses’ fibrous nature may help massage the intestines and aid digestion. And still, others believe that grasses provide essential vitamins and minerals not found in a typical cat diet.
No one can say for sure why cats eat grass, but it’s likely that there are multiple reasons. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s grass-eating habits.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
The following are fifteen reasons why cats eat grass.
1. To fulfil their nutrient requirements:
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal-based proteins to fulfill their nutrient requirements. However, some experts believe cats may eat grass to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals not found in animal flesh.
2. For digestive purposes:
It’s believed that the fibrous nature of grass can help massage the intestines and aid with digestion. Additionally, the chlorophyll in grasses may help neutralize stomach acids.
3. To induce vomiting:
Some experts believe that cats eat grass to help them vomit up hairballs or other indigestible items.
4. For dental health:
The abrasive nature of grass can help remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
5. To soothe an upset stomach:
Grasses may help settle a cat’s stomach by absorbing excess stomach acids or by stimulating the production of digestive juices.
6. For mental stimulation:
Eating grass may provide mental stimulation for some cats.
7. To relieve stress:
Cats may eat grass to self-soothe when they’re feeling anxious or stressed.
8. For hydration:
Grasses are a good source of moisture, and eating them may help keep a cat hydrated.
9. As a natural laxative:
The fiber in grasses can act as a natural laxative, helping relieve constipation.
10. Because they like the taste:
Some cats enjoy the taste of grass. They may find it refreshing or enjoy the texture.
11. To get attention:
Cats may eat grass in an attempt to get their owner’s attention.
12. Out of curiosity:
Cats are curious creatures, and they may eat grass simply out of curiosity.
13. Because they’re bored:
Cats may eat grass out of boredom if they’re not getting enough mental or physical stimulation.
14. As a form of self-medication:
Cats may eat grass as a form of self-medication to help with digestive issues, hairballs, or other health problems.
15. Because they’ve been taught to:
Some cats learn to eat grass from their mother or other cats. It may be a learned behavior that’s passed down through the generations.
If you notice your cat eating grass, there’s no need to be alarmed. In most cases, it’s perfectly normal behavior. However, talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s health or grass-eating habits. They can help you determine if there’s an underlying medical condition or if your cat’s diet needs to be adjusted.
So why does cats eat grass?
While we may never know why cats eat grass, we’ve listed a few possible explanations above. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s grass-eating habits.
They can help you determine if there’s an underlying medical condition or if your cat’s diet needs to be adjusted.
